US20220402168A1 - Apparatus and methods for truncating elongated members - Google Patents
Apparatus and methods for truncating elongated members Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220402168A1 US20220402168A1 US17/894,681 US202217894681A US2022402168A1 US 20220402168 A1 US20220402168 A1 US 20220402168A1 US 202217894681 A US202217894681 A US 202217894681A US 2022402168 A1 US2022402168 A1 US 2022402168A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- blade
- end gate
- frame
- cutting edge
- cutting
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 10
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 170
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 28
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 11
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 11
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 5
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004606 Fillers/Extenders Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001315 Tool steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- WIGAYVXYNSVZAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N ac1lavbc Chemical compound [W].[W] WIGAYVXYNSVZAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004567 concrete Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 for example Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001247 metal acetylides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
- B26D1/01—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work
- B26D1/04—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a linearly-movable cutting member
- B26D1/06—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a linearly-movable cutting member wherein the cutting member reciprocates
- B26D1/08—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a linearly-movable cutting member wherein the cutting member reciprocates of the guillotine type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D—PLANING; SLOTTING; SHEARING; BROACHING; SAWING; FILING; SCRAPING; LIKE OPERATIONS FOR WORKING METAL BY REMOVING MATERIAL, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D21/00—Machines or devices for shearing or cutting tubes
- B23D21/006—Machines or devices for shearing or cutting tubes and sealing, crushing or chamfering the tubes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D—PLANING; SLOTTING; SHEARING; BROACHING; SAWING; FILING; SCRAPING; LIKE OPERATIONS FOR WORKING METAL BY REMOVING MATERIAL, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D35/00—Tools for shearing machines or shearing devices; Holders or chucks for shearing tools
- B23D35/001—Tools for shearing machines or shearing devices; Holders or chucks for shearing tools cutting members
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D3/00—Cutting work characterised by the nature of the cut made; Apparatus therefor
- B26D3/16—Cutting rods or tubes transversely
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D9/00—Removing sheet piles bulkheads, piles, mould-pipes or other moulds or parts thereof
- E02D9/005—Removing sheet piles bulkheads, piles, mould-pipes or other moulds or parts thereof removing the top of placed piles of sheet piles
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D9/00—Removing sheet piles bulkheads, piles, mould-pipes or other moulds or parts thereof
- E02D9/04—Removing sheet piles bulkheads, piles, mould-pipes or other moulds or parts thereof by cutting-off under water
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D—PLANING; SLOTTING; SHEARING; BROACHING; SAWING; FILING; SCRAPING; LIKE OPERATIONS FOR WORKING METAL BY REMOVING MATERIAL, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D15/00—Shearing machines or shearing devices cutting by blades which move parallel to themselves
- B23D15/04—Shearing machines or shearing devices cutting by blades which move parallel to themselves having only one moving blade
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
- B26D1/0006—Cutting members therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
- B26D1/0006—Cutting members therefor
- B26D2001/0033—Cutting members therefor assembled from multiple blades
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
- B26D1/0006—Cutting members therefor
- B26D2001/006—Cutting members therefor the cutting blade having a special shape, e.g. a special outline, serrations
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B28—WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE
- B28D—WORKING STONE OR STONE-LIKE MATERIALS
- B28D1/00—Working stone or stone-like materials, e.g. brick, concrete or glass, not provided for elsewhere; Machines, devices, tools therefor
- B28D1/22—Working stone or stone-like materials, e.g. brick, concrete or glass, not provided for elsewhere; Machines, devices, tools therefor by cutting, e.g. incising
- B28D1/222—Working stone or stone-like materials, e.g. brick, concrete or glass, not provided for elsewhere; Machines, devices, tools therefor by cutting, e.g. incising by pressing, e.g. presses
Definitions
- truncate elongated members and in particular, embodiments, methods and systems to truncate elongated structural members of various configurations and materials including but not limited to metal structural members which are tubular and hollow, using a cutter having an end gate which is configured to allow a user to select among at least two cutting edges on the end gate, and having concaved shaped opposing cutting edges, whereby elongated members can be truncated which are up to 95 percent in outside diameter relative to the distance between frame side rails and the length of the interior space formed between the center of frame blade cutting edge and the center of the end gate cutting edge.
- truncate In various industries, it is occasionally necessary to cut, deform, break, deconstruct, decommission or sever (collectively and individually referred herein as “truncate”) elongated members at desired points along its length.
- elongated members can include structural members of oil platforms, pilings, piers, bridges, refineries, power plants, and the like.
- truncate the ‘legs’/pilings of the platform as close as possible to the seabed.
- Conventional methods for performing such tasks have utilized divers working with thermal cutting tools, wire saws and/or explosives. These conventional methods can be dangerous, time consuming, costly and cause significant environmental impact.
- the use of a wire saw can cause a significant amount of fine particulate matter that can become airborne or seaborne.
- elongated structural members of various configurations and materials including but not limited to metal structural members which are tubular and hollow, using a cutter having an end gate configured to allow a user to select among at least two cutting edges on the end gate, and having concaved shaped opposing blades, whereby elongated members can be truncated which are up to the outside diameter relative to the distance between frame side rails and the length of the interior space formed between the center of frame blade cutting edge and the center of the end gate cutting edge.
- the present embodiments allow for an apparatus, methods and systems for the truncation of elongated structural members of various configurations and materials, including but not limited to metal structural members which are tubular and hollow, using a cutter having an end gate configured to allow the selection from at least two cutting elements.
- the cutter combination includes opposing concave shaped single beveled blades.
- a cutting tool for truncating elongated structural members has a frame with a pair of parallel siderails connected at a first end by a support plate and at a second end by a removable end gate, the frame having an open center adapted to receive the structural member therethrough.
- the truncating is performed by a fixed cutting edge on an end gate and a cutting edge on a driven penetrating blade slidably disposed within the frame.
- the end gate has at least two penetrating cutting edges pointing in opposite directions wherein the driven penetrating cutting edge and the fixed penetrating cutting edge are concave relative to one another and configured to be adjacent to one another along the travel of the driven penetrating blade.
- the cutting edge of the driven penetrating blade and the fixed penetrating blade may have a single bevel.
- the cutting edge of the driven penetrating blade and the fixed penetrating blade can define the frame opening.
- the concave arc of the driven penetrating blade can be circular.
- the frame opening can be circular.
- the concave shape of the driven penetrating blade can be oblong.
- the end gate may have a second fixed cutting edge at a second side of the end gate.
- the second fixed cutting edge is preferably directed to the frame open center when rotated 180 degrees along its length.
- the end gate may be secured to the frame by two removable pins.
- the end gate may have three cutting edges arranged in a triangle with each cutting surface on the same plane.
- the end gate is pivotable about one pin and locked by a second pin and the end gate pivots about the pivot pin by a hydraulic cylinder.
- the blade configuration may have a predetermined concave cross-sectional profile and where the cutting edges of the blades define a collective concave profile corresponding to the profile of the structural member
- a method for cutting an elongated member having the steps of: providing a cutting tool having a driven penetrating blade that is a substantially first flat blade slidably disposed between slidable mounts, the driven penetrating blade having a bevel on a concave shaped cutting edge relative to an end gate; and providing a cutting tool having a cutting edge on the end gate; mounting the cutting edges around a pile and at a selected position along the pile with the cutting edges confronting the pile; and driving the cutting edges of the blades into a surface of the pile around the periphery of the pile.
- the step of mounting the blades around the pile includes opening the end gate; moving the cutting tool so that the pile is situated to a back cutting edge of the driven blade; and closing the end gate.
- a cutting tool for truncating elongated structural members having a cutting tool having a frame, with two substantially parallel side rails, a cross member attached to and extending between one end of the side rails, and an end gate attached to and extending between a second end of the side rails; a substantially flat first blade slidably disposed between the side rails, the blade having a concave cutting edge, the concave cutting edge facing the end gate; a substantially flat second cutting edge on the end gate forming a second blade, the second cutting edge being concave, the concave second cutting edge facing the first blade cutting edge; where said cutting edges form an opening within the frame configured to surround the elongated structural member; and mechanism for moving the first blade toward the second blade, whereby said movement causes the first blade to truncate the elongated structural member extending through said frame opening, between the first blade and the second blade.
- the end gate is removably secured to ends of the side rail.
- FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a cutting tool according to one approach of the present embodiments with its end gate in a closed position and a first end gate cutting edge directed to a frame interior;
- FIG. 2 is a top rear perspective view of a cutting tool of FIG. 1 with its end gate in a closed position;
- FIG. 3 is a top front perspective view of a cutting tool of FIG. 1 with its end gate in a closed position and its frame blade partially extended;
- FIG. 4 is a top front perspective view of a cutting tool of FIG. 1 with its end gate in an open position;
- FIG. 5 is a top front perspective view of a cutting tool according to one approach of the present embodiments with its end gate in a closed position and a second end gate cutting edge directed to a frame interior;
- FIG. 6 is a top view of the blades of a cutting tool according to one approach of the present embodiments with its end gate in a closed position and a first end gate cutting edge directed to a frame interior and the frame blade retracted to receive a work piece;
- FIG. 7 is the top view of the blades of a cutting tool according to FIG. 6 with its end gate in a closed position and a first end gate cutting edge directed to a frame interior and the frame blade extended to truncate a work piece;
- FIG. 8 is a top front perspective view of a cutting tool according to another approach of the present embodiments with its end gate pinned in position and a first end gate cutting edge directed to a frame interior;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cutting tool of FIG. 1 in use
- FIG. 10 is a top perspective front view of a frame blade to the cutting tool of FIGS. 1 and 6 ;
- FIG. 11 is a top view of the frame blade of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 is a close up of area XII of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the frame blade of FIG. 11 taken along section lines XIII-XIII of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 14 is a close-up side view of area XIV of FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 15 is a rear top perspective view of a frame blade to the cutting tool of FIGS. 1 and 6 ;
- FIG. 16 is a top view of a frame blade according to another approach.
- FIG. 17 is a top perspective front view of a frame blade to the cutting tool of FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view of the frame blade of FIG. 17 taken along section lines XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 17 ;
- FIG. 19 is a rear perspective front view of the end gate assembly of the present embodiments according to FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 20 is a top perspective front view of the end gate assembly of the present embodiments according to FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 21 is an exploded top perspective view of an end gate assembly of the cutting tool of FIGS. 19 - 20 ;
- FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool of FIGS. 19 - 20 ;
- FIG. 23 is a front view of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool of FIGS. 19 - 20 ;
- FIG. 24 is a top view of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool of FIGS. 19 - 20 ;
- FIG. 25 is a partial side view of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool of FIGS. 19 - 20 ;
- FIG. 26 is a top perspective rear view of the blade of the end gate assembly of the present embodiments according to another approach;
- FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective rear view of the blade of the end gate assembly of the present embodiments according to FIG. 26 ;
- FIG. 28 is a top perspective front view of the blade of the end gate assembly of the present embodiments according to FIG. 26 ;
- FIG. 29 is a bottom perspective front view of the blade of the end gate assembly of the present embodiments according to FIG. 26 ;
- FIG. 30 is a rear planar view of the blade of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool of FIG. 26 ;
- FIG. 31 is a bottom planar view of the blade of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool of FIG. 26 ;
- FIG. 32 is a front planar view of the blade of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool of FIG. 26 ;
- FIG. 33 is a right side planar view of the blade of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool of FIG. 26 ;
- FIG. 34 is a rear planar view of the blade of the end gate blade to the cutting tool of FIG. 26 ;
- FIG. 35 is a bottom planar view of the blade of the end gate to the cutting tool of FIG. 26 ;
- FIG. 36 is a top perspective view of the blade of the end gate assembly of the present embodiments according to another approach.
- FIG. 37 is a bottom perspective view of the blade of FIG. 36 ;
- FIG. 38 is a front planar view of the blade of FIG. 36 ;
- FIG. 39 is a top planar view of the blade of FIG. 36 ;
- FIG. 40 is a top perspective view of the end gate blade to the cutting tool of FIGS. 26 - 27 ;
- FIG. 41 is a bottom perspective view of the end gate blade to the cutting tool of FIGS. 26 - 27 .
- truncate elongated members and in particular, embodiments, methods and systems to truncate elongated structural members of various configurations and materials including but not limited to metal structural members which are tubular and hollow, using a cutter having an end gate which is configured to allow a user to select among at least two cutting edges on the end gate, and having concaved shaped opposing blade, whereby elongated members can be truncated which are up to 95 percent in outside diameter relative to the distance between frame side rails and the length of the interior space formed between the center of frame blade cutting edge and the center of the end gate cutting edge.
- non-limiting examples of elongated members described herein include hollow cylindrical members, such as tubular metal pilings. It is understood that the present embodiments are not limited for use in truncating hollow cylindrical members, but may be used for truncating elongated structural members having various cross-sectional shapes and made from various structural materials such as wood, metals, concrete, and the like and combinations thereof. Examples of elongated members can include structural members of oil platforms, pilings, piers, bridges, refineries, power plants, structural lattice work, and the like. Also, the terms cut, deform, break, deconstruct, decommission or sever are used throughout the specification when referring to any or all activities to cut, deform, break, deconstruct, decommission and/or sever any elongated members.
- the present embodiments provide numerous configurations and greatly increase the functionality and efficiency for a truncating tool for elongated members than previously known in the art.
- the configuration includes dual opposing and beveled concave blades
- cylindrical elongated members of larger diameters can be severed than previously known for similar frame dimensions.
- the term “concave” may refer to a variety of configurations where the cutting edge of the blade extends behind the center of the blade in relation to the direction of truncation.
- Non-limiting examples of a concave blade shape may include circular (round), oblong and/or “football”, “V” shaped, partially “V” shaped and combinations thereof.
- the blades are configured to penetrate a workpiece and may surround the elongated member before truncating.
- This configuration thus allows for a smaller frame of the device (e.g., shorter side frame rails and narrower width) to achieve the same results as were accomplished with prior cutters.
- the frame side rails can be up to 50 percent shorter than previous cutters.
- the weight of a smaller device can be, for example, half the weight of a prior cutter needed to sever an elongated member of similar diameter.
- the device of the present embodiments having concave blades can provide a frame defining an internal opening that may surround an elongated member of almost equal diameter (up to about 95 percent) in width and length to the internal opening.
- bevels on the cutting edge may be provided. Where a single bevel is used, during truncation, the angle of the bevel is positioned to direct the truncated member away from the cutter, which allows for easier removal once the cut is completed and the elongated member is freed.
- the concave blades are configured so that the leading edges of the blades are adjacent during the truncation to provide the clean shear needed to the cut the elongated member.
- the angle of the bevel on the blades may be about 25-75 degrees (e.g., 25-75 degrees).
- the end gate may be held in place by pins, which may be removed by the user and/or through the use of pin pull mechanisms situated at the distal ends of each of the two side rails.
- pins which may be removed by the user and/or through the use of pin pull mechanisms situated at the distal ends of each of the two side rails.
- the advantage of these configurations is the quick removal of the end gate.
- multiple blades may be formed on the same end gate.
- end gate blades may be extending away from each other on the same plane (i.e., by 180 degrees).
- a different blade may be directed to the internal opening of the cutter frame as needed.
- a concave blade may be positioned to extend from one side of the end gate and a piercing and/or double beveled blade may positioned extending away from the concave blade in the opposite direction.
- the piercing blade may be needed to cut elongated members with smaller diameter but thicker walled, more dense, solid elongated combinations thereof and the like. Also, there may be dual concave blades to reduce down time if by chance the first blade breaks in the field.
- the end gate can swing open using a hydraulic arm attached to one side of the gate and a pin pull mechanism to remove the pin on the other of the end gate.
- this configuration allows the present cutter to approach the elongated member from the side and envelop the member in its interior space when the end gate is closed.
- the pin pull can release one side of the end gate.
- the end gate can be swung open followed by removal of the pivot pin and the hydraulic arm pin to free the end gate from the cutter.
- the end gate is held in place by two pins, which may or may not be removable by pin puller mechanism(s).
- the end gate remains closed but can still be lowered over the end of an elongated member to be truncated such as piers or pilings extending out of water.
- the two pins need to be removed to free the end gate.
- This design provides a simpler device which may be more reliable in the field since the user is not reliant on the hydraulic arm of the end gate.
- matching brackets are installed on the sides of the end gate to allow for the same pin placement and mounting orientation of the end gate blade relative to the cutter frame, irrespective of the blade selected for cutting. It is also noted that the blades are positioned on the end gate and beveled so that the cutting edge of the gate blade is adjacent to the frame blade while in use.
- the blade and the blade brackets of the end gate are spaced by spacers to allow mounting in the space between the brackets on the ends of the frame side rails.
- the spacers can be about 80-97 percent in thickness relative to the space provided on the ends of the frame side rails.
- the spacers can be blocks welded on the end gate blade and the end gate brackets. In a preferred embodiment, the blocks can be beveled to allow a deeper penetration of the weld.
- the frame blade and the end gate blade edges should have reciprocal beveling. Accordingly, if the frame blade cutting edge has a single bevel, the end gate blade should have a single bevel and be positioned so that the cutting edges of each blade are adjacent when in use. If the frame gate cutting edge has a two or more bevels, the end gate blade should have reciprocal two or more bevels (e.g., see FIGS. 17 and 36 ). It is noted though that the shape of the cutting edge does not need to have reciprocal shapes. Accordingly, a concave frame blade can be used with a rounded concave end gate blade, an angled end gate blade, an arrow shaped end gate blade, and so on.
- the blade configurations is able to provide the desired cutting of the elongated member. Preferably, this would mean complete severing of the elongated member, though in some instance this may not be possible or even desired.
- a concave frame blade with a piercing arrow blade on the end gate may be best to pierce the elongated member to start a cut.
- the present embodiments provide more versatility, functionality and efficiency in a smaller footprint with less weight than was previously required in prior cutters.
- cutting tool 40 can be suspended from cables 42 on an exemplary crane 50 on a platform such as a truck, a rail car, a barge 52 , or the like to move the cutter into place to truncate an elongated member 51 .
- cutting tool 40 generally includes a frame 41 , at least one hydraulic cylinder 44 having a cylinder rod 45 to drive frame blade 46 by telescopic extension from the hydraulic cylinder 44 to and from an extended and retracted position.
- the components of cutting tool 40 are preferably made of metal or some other material that is strong, rigid, and durable. The materials must be able to accommodate the pressures of the hydraulic system to drive the frame blade 46 through the elongated member. As shown, frame blade 46 attaches to the hydraulics via frame blade brackets 68 attached to hydraulic rod 45 via cylinder pins 65 extending through cylinder pin holes 71 (See e.g., FIG. 11 ).
- Frame 41 of cutting tool 40 may generally include a cross member 48 ( FIG. 3 or 5 ), two structurally mirror image side rails 47 , and an end gate assembly 43 .
- Cross member 48 preferably extends between side rails 47 and is attached to a first end 94 of both side rails 47 .
- Cross member 48 is preferably constructed of support plate 66 and capable of withstanding the forces from the hydraulic cylinders pushing through the elongated member. As shown, at least one user controllable (controller not shown) cylinder 44 is secured at one of its ends to support plate 66 .
- FIG. 5 shows the preferred arrangement of two cylinders 44 secured to support plate 66 .
- a cylinder rod 45 reciprocally extends from each cylinder 44 , and is attached at one end to blade 46 using brackets 68 and bolts or pins 65 . Changes in fluid pressure inside each cylinder 44 cause cylinder rod 45 to move in and out of cylinder 44 to facilitate back and forth movement of blade 46 along channels 67 in side rails 47 . The total distance traveled by cylinder rod 45 can be changed to adapt to the size of the structural member to be truncated and the configuration of the frame blade and end gate blade.
- side rails 47 preferably extend from cross member 48 to a side rail second end 95 to where end gate 43 is removably attached.
- Each side rail 47 has an inwardly facing channel 67 to accommodate a lateral edge of blade 46 , which slides along channels 67 to and from end gate 43 as it extends and retracts.
- Second ends 95 as shown, have mounting brackets 96 to attach end gate 43 .
- End gate 43 when installed, extends between side rails 47 .
- end gate 43 is preferably removably secured to side rails 47 using bolts or pins, which are capable of withstanding the shearing stress generated during the truncating process.
- pin 53 serves as a pivot point for end gate 43 to swing out from the frame and locking pin 54 holds the end gate in place while in use.
- Locking pin 54 may optionally be attached to a user controllable pin pull 80 device to allow the gate to swing open ( 73 ) on pivot pin 53 .
- End gate 43 may pivot on pivot pin 53 when a user controllable hydraulic arm 49 is actuated to extend or retract end gate hydraulic rod 97 .
- FIG. 8 shows dual mechanized pin pulls to release end gate 43 .
- the blades for the present embodiment have cutting edges preferably made of a very hard material, such as the type of steel referred to as tool steel or tool die steel.
- Cutting edges can also be made of tool carbides, including, for example, tungsten (wolfram) carbide, WC.
- tungsten (wolfram) carbide, WC tungsten carbide
- the necessary level of hardness of the material used to make the cutting edges depends on the dimension, structure, and properties of the structural member being truncated.
- Cutting edges should be sufficiently hard to truncate several structural members without any noticeable wear to cutting edge.
- Frame blade 46 is a substantially flat metal plate extending between side rails 47 with a leading cutting edge 69 having a bevel 70 .
- Blade 46 must be thick enough and rigid enough not to buckle during the truncation process.
- the lateral edges of blade 46 are preferably thick enough to substantially fill channels 67 of side rails 47 so as to prevent dust and the like from accumulating within channels 67 .
- frame blade 46 cutting edge 69 can be concave in shape and having a bevel 70 .
- the angle of the bevel on the blades may be about 25-75 degrees (e.g., 25-75 degrees), but preferably about a 25-40 degrees bevel.
- FIG. 11 - 15 show an exemplary frame blade 46 according to the present embodiments.
- frame blade 46 can have: beveled corners 83 that are about 1.5 ( 82 ) inches along the length of the frame bade and 0.125 inches ( 81 ) in width; a frame blade overall width 102 of about 37 inches; a length 103 of about 42 inches; a frame blade thickness 98 of about 2 inches; a bevel 70 extending about 3 inches ( 85 ) (or alternately having an angle of about 25-45 degrees ( 86 )); a cutting edge 69 having round concave arc relative to end gate 43 having a radius 84 of about 16 inches (allowing for a work piece of about 32 inches); and frame blade extensions 104 internally flared to about 108 degrees ( 105 ) from the sides of the cutting edge to the end of the frame blade of about 1.5 inches ( 106 ) in width on each side to allow stable blade travel in side rail channels 67 and to guide a work piece towards the cutting edge.
- the distal opening 64 of frame blade 46 is thus about 33.875 inches.
- the blade extends about one inch into the side rail channels 67 .
- the other dimension to reduce the size and weight of the cutting tool 40 is the length of the side rails 47 needed to receive a 32 inch work piece in its interior space. This is limited by the dimension 76 which is the span between the most distal regions of the cutting edges of frame blade and gate blade.
- This dimension also delimits the travel length in direction 72 needed by the hydraulic rod to extend frame blade 46 so that the center 107 of concave cutting edge 69 of frame blade 46 passes over the center 108 of concave cutting edge 63 of end gate 43 .
- dimensions 74 and 75 can be the same.
- the longitudinal opening of the interior area of the cutting tool 40 can be about 33.875 inches in length. It is noted though that these exact measurements are not the only possible dimensions so long as there is about at least an extra inch of space in length and width of the interior opening relative to the workpiece outer diameter 74 .
- An optional second bevel 99 being about 0.20 inches ( 101 ) thick extending back about 0.20 inches ( 100 ).
- This resultant frame blade is thus configured to cut an elongated member having an outside diameter of about 32 inches. It is noted that the dimensions described are merely exemplary of one possible embodiment, which can also be scaled up and scaled down to accommodate different cutter frames.
- cutting edge 69 of blade 46 has a wedge shape leading to a cutting edge on the lower side of the frame blade. This allows for the work piece to be tilted away from the cutter 40 while in use.
- end gate blade is reciprocal in configuration in that the cutting edge here needs to have its cutting edge on the top side of the end gate blade so that the cutting edges are adjacent while in use.
- frame blade 46 i can have an oblong concave arc and/or have two equal mirror image bevels (arrow shape) such as shown in FIGS. 16 - 18 .
- a two-inch-thick blade can have a cutting edge 69 i one inch from the top and bottom of the blade and extending rearward from about 1.25 to 3 inches ( 90 ) or an angle of about 25-45 degrees ( 89 ).
- cutting edge 69 i can have an outside radius ( 87 ) of about 16 inches and a center radius 86 of about 10 inches.
- end gate blade would preferably have the same shape blade (i.e., a reciprocal convex arrow shaped cutting edge (not shown) and oriented so that the cutting edges meet on the same plane.
- an end gate assembly 43 is provided having brackets ( 56 , 57 , 60 , 61 ) to mount end gate 43 to frame side rails 47 , the brackets also being mounted to beveled/filet spacers 58 (or blocks 58 i , see e.g., FIG. 28 ) having bevels 59 , and end gate blade 55 .
- the brackets have bores 91 for pin 53 , bore 92 for pin 78 , and bore 93 for pin 54 .
- Pin 53 provides a pivot for end gate 43 ;
- pin 78 is the pivot pin for the hydraulic rod 97 for one side rail.
- Pin 54 provides a second end gate attachment on the opposite side rail 47 .
- end gate 43 has an end blade 55 that has two cutting surfaces 62 and 63 .
- the cutting edges of the end gate blade and the frame blade are preferably adjacent to each other when the frame blade is extending to provide the shear to truncate the elongated member.
- frame blade 46 has its cutting edge on the lower side of the blade.
- end gate blade 55 has its cutting surface 63 on its top side and oriented so that its top side is oriented directly under frame blade cutting edge 69 .
- the bevel for the end gate cutting edges are directed away from the interior of the frame.
- cutting surface 62 is directed to the interior of the frame, again, its cutting edge is adjacent to cutting edge 69 . This is accomplished by the reciprocal brackets for attachment of the end gate assembly.
- FIGS. 19 - 41 show various blade assembly configurations and blade configurations.
- Cutting edge 62 can be useful for cutting thick walled steel tubes.
- Cutting edge 63 can be useful cutting large diameter elongated members as described herein.
- Cutting edge 63 i of FIGS. 26 - 27 can be useful for cutting large diameter work pieces, while cutting edge 62 i can provide addition piercing capability.
- Cutting edge 63 ii of FIGS. 36 - 37 can be useful for cutting or crushing large diameter work pieces, while cutting edge 62 i can provide addition piercing and crushing capability.
- frame blade 46 would need to have a reciprocal surface (not shown) and the mounting brackets adjusted so that the blades are on the same plane.
- the end gate can have three cutting edges on the same plane in a triangular formation.
- end gate 43 is also equipped with a downwardly beveled first cutting edge 62 and an upwardly beveled cutting edge 63 on opposite sides of end gate blade 55 .
- cutting edge 62 faces cutting edge 69 on frame blade 46 .
- cutting edge 63 faces cutting edge 69 on frame blade 46 .
- cutting edges 69 and 63 can work together to shear a metal structural member. The member may be deformed by the force of blade 46 moving toward end gate 43 . The shearing action may partially or completely sever the metal structural member into two separate sections, despite any deformation in the metal structural member.
- FIGS. 6 - 7 show top views of the orientation of frame blade 46 and end gate blade 55 during a truncation of an elongated member 51 .
- workpiece 51 is a hollow steel piling such as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the blades of cutting tool 40 have already enclosed workpiece 51 by positioning the frame blade 46 adjacent to the work piece 51 , then closing end gate 43 . As shown, when the cavity is formed there is sufficient room for the work piece. It is preferred to leave approximately one or two inches of ‘play’ within the blade enclosure.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/741,372, filed on Jan. 13, 2020, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
- Presented herein are embodiments to truncate elongated members, and in particular, embodiments, methods and systems to truncate elongated structural members of various configurations and materials including but not limited to metal structural members which are tubular and hollow, using a cutter having an end gate which is configured to allow a user to select among at least two cutting edges on the end gate, and having concaved shaped opposing cutting edges, whereby elongated members can be truncated which are up to 95 percent in outside diameter relative to the distance between frame side rails and the length of the interior space formed between the center of frame blade cutting edge and the center of the end gate cutting edge.
- In various industries, it is occasionally necessary to cut, deform, break, deconstruct, decommission or sever (collectively and individually referred herein as “truncate”) elongated members at desired points along its length. Examples of elongated members can include structural members of oil platforms, pilings, piers, bridges, refineries, power plants, and the like. By way of example, in the offshore petroleum industry, during the decommissioning of a drilling or production platform, it is frequently important to truncate the ‘legs’/pilings of the platform as close as possible to the seabed. Conventional methods for performing such tasks have utilized divers working with thermal cutting tools, wire saws and/or explosives. These conventional methods can be dangerous, time consuming, costly and cause significant environmental impact. For example, the use of a wire saw can cause a significant amount of fine particulate matter that can become airborne or seaborne.
- One attempt to solve these deficiencies is the use of a gated cutter. The truncation of elongated members using cutters of various configurations using gated cutters are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,139,006, 5,413,086 and US PUB 20050274249A1, the entire specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference. Despite these advances, further improvements are possible and desired.
- Accordingly, to advance at least the aforementioned deficiencies in the art, presented herein are embodiments to truncate elongated members using a gated cutter having in one embodiment opposed beveled concave shaped blades and the option allow a user to select among at least two cutters mounted on the end gate. In particular, presented herein are embodiments, methods and systems to truncate elongated structural members of various configurations and materials including but not limited to metal structural members which are tubular and hollow, using a cutter having an end gate configured to allow a user to select among at least two cutting edges on the end gate, and having concaved shaped opposing blades, whereby elongated members can be truncated which are up to the outside diameter relative to the distance between frame side rails and the length of the interior space formed between the center of frame blade cutting edge and the center of the end gate cutting edge.
- The present embodiments allow for an apparatus, methods and systems for the truncation of elongated structural members of various configurations and materials, including but not limited to metal structural members which are tubular and hollow, using a cutter having an end gate configured to allow the selection from at least two cutting elements. According to one approach, the cutter combination includes opposing concave shaped single beveled blades.
- According to one approach a cutting tool for truncating elongated structural members has a frame with a pair of parallel siderails connected at a first end by a support plate and at a second end by a removable end gate, the frame having an open center adapted to receive the structural member therethrough. The truncating is performed by a fixed cutting edge on an end gate and a cutting edge on a driven penetrating blade slidably disposed within the frame. The end gate has at least two penetrating cutting edges pointing in opposite directions wherein the driven penetrating cutting edge and the fixed penetrating cutting edge are concave relative to one another and configured to be adjacent to one another along the travel of the driven penetrating blade.
- According to one approach, the cutting edge of the driven penetrating blade and the fixed penetrating blade may have a single bevel. The cutting edge of the driven penetrating blade and the fixed penetrating blade can define the frame opening.
- According to one approach, the concave arc of the driven penetrating blade can be circular. Thus, the frame opening can be circular. According to one approach, the concave shape of the driven penetrating blade can be oblong.
- According to one approach, the end gate may have a second fixed cutting edge at a second side of the end gate. The second fixed cutting edge is preferably directed to the frame open center when rotated 180 degrees along its length.
- The end gate may be secured to the frame by two removable pins.
- According to one approach, the end gate may have three cutting edges arranged in a triangle with each cutting surface on the same plane.
- According to one approach, the end gate is pivotable about one pin and locked by a second pin and the end gate pivots about the pivot pin by a hydraulic cylinder. The blade configuration may have a predetermined concave cross-sectional profile and where the cutting edges of the blades define a collective concave profile corresponding to the profile of the structural member
- According to one approach, a method for cutting an elongated member is provided having the steps of: providing a cutting tool having a driven penetrating blade that is a substantially first flat blade slidably disposed between slidable mounts, the driven penetrating blade having a bevel on a concave shaped cutting edge relative to an end gate; and providing a cutting tool having a cutting edge on the end gate; mounting the cutting edges around a pile and at a selected position along the pile with the cutting edges confronting the pile; and driving the cutting edges of the blades into a surface of the pile around the periphery of the pile.
- According to one approach, the step of mounting the blades around the pile includes opening the end gate; moving the cutting tool so that the pile is situated to a back cutting edge of the driven blade; and closing the end gate.
- A cutting tool for truncating elongated structural members is also provided having a cutting tool having a frame, with two substantially parallel side rails, a cross member attached to and extending between one end of the side rails, and an end gate attached to and extending between a second end of the side rails; a substantially flat first blade slidably disposed between the side rails, the blade having a concave cutting edge, the concave cutting edge facing the end gate; a substantially flat second cutting edge on the end gate forming a second blade, the second cutting edge being concave, the concave second cutting edge facing the first blade cutting edge; where said cutting edges form an opening within the frame configured to surround the elongated structural member; and mechanism for moving the first blade toward the second blade, whereby said movement causes the first blade to truncate the elongated structural member extending through said frame opening, between the first blade and the second blade. According to one approach, the end gate is removably secured to ends of the side rail.
- Other features will become more apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the assemblies pertain and from the following description and claims.
-
FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a cutting tool according to one approach of the present embodiments with its end gate in a closed position and a first end gate cutting edge directed to a frame interior; -
FIG. 2 is a top rear perspective view of a cutting tool ofFIG. 1 with its end gate in a closed position; -
FIG. 3 is a top front perspective view of a cutting tool ofFIG. 1 with its end gate in a closed position and its frame blade partially extended; -
FIG. 4 is a top front perspective view of a cutting tool ofFIG. 1 with its end gate in an open position; -
FIG. 5 is a top front perspective view of a cutting tool according to one approach of the present embodiments with its end gate in a closed position and a second end gate cutting edge directed to a frame interior; -
FIG. 6 is a top view of the blades of a cutting tool according to one approach of the present embodiments with its end gate in a closed position and a first end gate cutting edge directed to a frame interior and the frame blade retracted to receive a work piece; -
FIG. 7 is the top view of the blades of a cutting tool according toFIG. 6 with its end gate in a closed position and a first end gate cutting edge directed to a frame interior and the frame blade extended to truncate a work piece; -
FIG. 8 is a top front perspective view of a cutting tool according to another approach of the present embodiments with its end gate pinned in position and a first end gate cutting edge directed to a frame interior; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cutting tool ofFIG. 1 in use; -
FIG. 10 is a top perspective front view of a frame blade to the cutting tool ofFIGS. 1 and 6 ; -
FIG. 11 is a top view of the frame blade ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 is a close up of area XII ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the frame blade ofFIG. 11 taken along section lines XIII-XIII ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 14 is a close-up side view of area XIV ofFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 15 is a rear top perspective view of a frame blade to the cutting tool ofFIGS. 1 and 6 ; -
FIG. 16 is a top view of a frame blade according to another approach; -
FIG. 17 is a top perspective front view of a frame blade to the cutting tool ofFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view of the frame blade ofFIG. 17 taken along section lines XVIII-XVIII ofFIG. 17 ; -
FIG. 19 is a rear perspective front view of the end gate assembly of the present embodiments according toFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 20 is a top perspective front view of the end gate assembly of the present embodiments according toFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 21 is an exploded top perspective view of an end gate assembly of the cutting tool ofFIGS. 19-20 ; -
FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool ofFIGS. 19-20 ; -
FIG. 23 is a front view of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool ofFIGS. 19-20 ; -
FIG. 24 is a top view of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool ofFIGS. 19-20 ; -
FIG. 25 is a partial side view of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool ofFIGS. 19-20 ; -
FIG. 26 is a top perspective rear view of the blade of the end gate assembly of the present embodiments according to another approach; -
FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective rear view of the blade of the end gate assembly of the present embodiments according toFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 28 is a top perspective front view of the blade of the end gate assembly of the present embodiments according toFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 29 is a bottom perspective front view of the blade of the end gate assembly of the present embodiments according toFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 30 is a rear planar view of the blade of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool ofFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 31 is a bottom planar view of the blade of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool ofFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 32 is a front planar view of the blade of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool ofFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 33 is a right side planar view of the blade of the end gate assembly to the cutting tool ofFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 34 is a rear planar view of the blade of the end gate blade to the cutting tool ofFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 35 is a bottom planar view of the blade of the end gate to the cutting tool ofFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 36 is a top perspective view of the blade of the end gate assembly of the present embodiments according to another approach; -
FIG. 37 is a bottom perspective view of the blade ofFIG. 36 ; -
FIG. 38 is a front planar view of the blade ofFIG. 36 ; -
FIG. 39 is a top planar view of the blade ofFIG. 36 ; -
FIG. 40 is a top perspective view of the end gate blade to the cutting tool ofFIGS. 26-27 ; and -
FIG. 41 is a bottom perspective view of the end gate blade to the cutting tool ofFIGS. 26-27 . - While the features described herein may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to be limiting to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the appended claims.
- Presented herein are embodiments to truncate elongated members, and in particular, embodiments, methods and systems to truncate elongated structural members of various configurations and materials including but not limited to metal structural members which are tubular and hollow, using a cutter having an end gate which is configured to allow a user to select among at least two cutting edges on the end gate, and having concaved shaped opposing blade, whereby elongated members can be truncated which are up to 95 percent in outside diameter relative to the distance between frame side rails and the length of the interior space formed between the center of frame blade cutting edge and the center of the end gate cutting edge.
- For ease of understanding the present embodiments, non-limiting examples of elongated members described herein include hollow cylindrical members, such as tubular metal pilings. It is understood that the present embodiments are not limited for use in truncating hollow cylindrical members, but may be used for truncating elongated structural members having various cross-sectional shapes and made from various structural materials such as wood, metals, concrete, and the like and combinations thereof. Examples of elongated members can include structural members of oil platforms, pilings, piers, bridges, refineries, power plants, structural lattice work, and the like. Also, the terms cut, deform, break, deconstruct, decommission or sever are used throughout the specification when referring to any or all activities to cut, deform, break, deconstruct, decommission and/or sever any elongated members.
- The present embodiments provide numerous configurations and greatly increase the functionality and efficiency for a truncating tool for elongated members than previously known in the art. For example, according to one approach, where the configuration includes dual opposing and beveled concave blades, cylindrical elongated members of larger diameters can be severed than previously known for similar frame dimensions. As described herein, the term “concave” may refer to a variety of configurations where the cutting edge of the blade extends behind the center of the blade in relation to the direction of truncation. Non-limiting examples of a concave blade shape may include circular (round), oblong and/or “football”, “V” shaped, partially “V” shaped and combinations thereof. In this configuration, the blades are configured to penetrate a workpiece and may surround the elongated member before truncating. This configuration thus allows for a smaller frame of the device (e.g., shorter side frame rails and narrower width) to achieve the same results as were accomplished with prior cutters. For example, the frame side rails can be up to 50 percent shorter than previous cutters. The weight of a smaller device can be, for example, half the weight of a prior cutter needed to sever an elongated member of similar diameter.
- According to one approach, when the end gate is closed and the frame blade is in its retracted position, the device of the present embodiments having concave blades can provide a frame defining an internal opening that may surround an elongated member of almost equal diameter (up to about 95 percent) in width and length to the internal opening.
- According to one approach, bevels on the cutting edge may be provided. Where a single bevel is used, during truncation, the angle of the bevel is positioned to direct the truncated member away from the cutter, which allows for easier removal once the cut is completed and the elongated member is freed. The concave blades are configured so that the leading edges of the blades are adjacent during the truncation to provide the clean shear needed to the cut the elongated member. The angle of the bevel on the blades may be about 25-75 degrees (e.g., 25-75 degrees).
- According to one approach, the end gate may be held in place by pins, which may be removed by the user and/or through the use of pin pull mechanisms situated at the distal ends of each of the two side rails. The advantage of these configurations is the quick removal of the end gate. As described herein, multiple blades may be formed on the same end gate. In one example, end gate blades may be extending away from each other on the same plane (i.e., by 180 degrees). In these configurations, a different blade may be directed to the internal opening of the cutter frame as needed. For example, a concave blade may be positioned to extend from one side of the end gate and a piercing and/or double beveled blade may positioned extending away from the concave blade in the opposite direction. The piercing blade may be needed to cut elongated members with smaller diameter but thicker walled, more dense, solid elongated combinations thereof and the like. Also, there may be dual concave blades to reduce down time if by chance the first blade breaks in the field.
- According to one approach, the end gate can swing open using a hydraulic arm attached to one side of the gate and a pin pull mechanism to remove the pin on the other of the end gate. In use, this configuration allows the present cutter to approach the elongated member from the side and envelop the member in its interior space when the end gate is closed. To remove this end gate configuration, the pin pull can release one side of the end gate. The end gate can be swung open followed by removal of the pivot pin and the hydraulic arm pin to free the end gate from the cutter.
- In another approach (
FIG. 8 ), the end gate is held in place by two pins, which may or may not be removable by pin puller mechanism(s). In use, the end gate remains closed but can still be lowered over the end of an elongated member to be truncated such as piers or pilings extending out of water. In this instance, to remove the end gate only the two pins need to be removed to free the end gate. This design provides a simpler device which may be more reliable in the field since the user is not reliant on the hydraulic arm of the end gate. Once the gate is removed, to change the interiorly directed blade, the end gate in one approach is simply rotated 180 degrees on its ends and reinstalled. - In the present embodiments, matching brackets are installed on the sides of the end gate to allow for the same pin placement and mounting orientation of the end gate blade relative to the cutter frame, irrespective of the blade selected for cutting. It is also noted that the blades are positioned on the end gate and beveled so that the cutting edge of the gate blade is adjacent to the frame blade while in use. The blade and the blade brackets of the end gate are spaced by spacers to allow mounting in the space between the brackets on the ends of the frame side rails. For example, the spacers can be about 80-97 percent in thickness relative to the space provided on the ends of the frame side rails. The spacers can be blocks welded on the end gate blade and the end gate brackets. In a preferred embodiment, the blocks can be beveled to allow a deeper penetration of the weld.
- In the preferred embodiments, the frame blade and the end gate blade edges should have reciprocal beveling. Accordingly, if the frame blade cutting edge has a single bevel, the end gate blade should have a single bevel and be positioned so that the cutting edges of each blade are adjacent when in use. If the frame gate cutting edge has a two or more bevels, the end gate blade should have reciprocal two or more bevels (e.g., see
FIGS. 17 and 36 ). It is noted though that the shape of the cutting edge does not need to have reciprocal shapes. Accordingly, a concave frame blade can be used with a rounded concave end gate blade, an angled end gate blade, an arrow shaped end gate blade, and so on. It is noted though that the blade configurations is able to provide the desired cutting of the elongated member. Preferably, this would mean complete severing of the elongated member, though in some instance this may not be possible or even desired. For example, a concave frame blade with a piercing arrow blade on the end gate may be best to pierce the elongated member to start a cut. - In short, the present embodiments provide more versatility, functionality and efficiency in a smaller footprint with less weight than was previously required in prior cutters.
- Turning to the figures, as shown in
FIG. 9 , cuttingtool 40 can be suspended fromcables 42 on anexemplary crane 50 on a platform such as a truck, a rail car, abarge 52, or the like to move the cutter into place to truncate anelongated member 51.FIGS. 1-4 depict anexemplary cutting tool 40 having two concave blades and a swinging end gate according to the present embodiments for truncating an elongated structural member and the like. As shown, cuttingtool 40 generally includes aframe 41, at least onehydraulic cylinder 44 having acylinder rod 45 to driveframe blade 46 by telescopic extension from thehydraulic cylinder 44 to and from an extended and retracted position. The components of cuttingtool 40 are preferably made of metal or some other material that is strong, rigid, and durable. The materials must be able to accommodate the pressures of the hydraulic system to drive theframe blade 46 through the elongated member. As shown,frame blade 46 attaches to the hydraulics viaframe blade brackets 68 attached tohydraulic rod 45 via cylinder pins 65 extending through cylinder pin holes 71 (See e.g.,FIG. 11 ). -
Frame 41 of cuttingtool 40 may generally include a cross member 48 (FIG. 3 or 5 ), two structurally mirror image side rails 47, and anend gate assembly 43.Cross member 48 preferably extends between side rails 47 and is attached to afirst end 94 of both side rails 47.Cross member 48 is preferably constructed ofsupport plate 66 and capable of withstanding the forces from the hydraulic cylinders pushing through the elongated member. As shown, at least one user controllable (controller not shown)cylinder 44 is secured at one of its ends to supportplate 66.FIG. 5 shows the preferred arrangement of twocylinders 44 secured to supportplate 66. - Referring to
FIGS. 1-5 , acylinder rod 45 reciprocally extends from eachcylinder 44, and is attached at one end toblade 46 usingbrackets 68 and bolts or pins 65. Changes in fluid pressure inside eachcylinder 44cause cylinder rod 45 to move in and out ofcylinder 44 to facilitate back and forth movement ofblade 46 alongchannels 67 in side rails 47. The total distance traveled bycylinder rod 45 can be changed to adapt to the size of the structural member to be truncated and the configuration of the frame blade and end gate blade. - Referring to
FIGS. 1-3 , side rails 47 preferably extend fromcross member 48 to a side railsecond end 95 to whereend gate 43 is removably attached. Eachside rail 47 has an inwardly facingchannel 67 to accommodate a lateral edge ofblade 46, which slides alongchannels 67 to and fromend gate 43 as it extends and retracts. Second ends 95, as shown, have mountingbrackets 96 to attachend gate 43.End gate 43, when installed, extends between side rails 47. - In the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-5 ,end gate 43 is preferably removably secured toside rails 47 using bolts or pins, which are capable of withstanding the shearing stress generated during the truncating process. As shown,pin 53 serves as a pivot point forend gate 43 to swing out from the frame and lockingpin 54 holds the end gate in place while in use. Lockingpin 54 may optionally be attached to a user controllable pin pull 80 device to allow the gate to swing open (73) onpivot pin 53.End gate 43 may pivot onpivot pin 53 when a user controllablehydraulic arm 49 is actuated to extend or retract end gatehydraulic rod 97. According to another approach,FIG. 8 shows dual mechanized pin pulls to releaseend gate 43. - The blades for the present embodiment have cutting edges preferably made of a very hard material, such as the type of steel referred to as tool steel or tool die steel. Cutting edges can also be made of tool carbides, including, for example, tungsten (wolfram) carbide, WC. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the necessary level of hardness of the material used to make the cutting edges depends on the dimension, structure, and properties of the structural member being truncated. Cutting edges should be sufficiently hard to truncate several structural members without any noticeable wear to cutting edge.
-
Frame blade 46 is a substantially flat metal plate extending between side rails 47 with a leadingcutting edge 69 having abevel 70.Blade 46 must be thick enough and rigid enough not to buckle during the truncation process. The lateral edges ofblade 46 are preferably thick enough to substantially fillchannels 67 of side rails 47 so as to prevent dust and the like from accumulating withinchannels 67. - As shown in the figures,
frame blade 46cutting edge 69 can be concave in shape and having abevel 70. The angle of the bevel on the blades may be about 25-75 degrees (e.g., 25-75 degrees), but preferably about a 25-40 degrees bevel. By way of example,FIG. 11-15 show anexemplary frame blade 46 according to the present embodiments. By way of example to understand ratios and proportion offrame blade 46,frame blade 46 can have: beveledcorners 83 that are about 1.5 (82) inches along the length of the frame bade and 0.125 inches (81) in width; a frame bladeoverall width 102 of about 37 inches; alength 103 of about 42 inches; aframe blade thickness 98 of about 2 inches; abevel 70 extending about 3 inches (85) (or alternately having an angle of about 25-45 degrees (86)); acutting edge 69 having round concave arc relative to endgate 43 having aradius 84 of about 16 inches (allowing for a work piece of about 32 inches); andframe blade extensions 104 internally flared to about 108 degrees (105) from the sides of the cutting edge to the end of the frame blade of about 1.5 inches (106) in width on each side to allow stable blade travel inside rail channels 67 and to guide a work piece towards the cutting edge. Thedistal opening 64 offrame blade 46 is thus about 33.875 inches. The blade extends about one inch into theside rail channels 67. This means that the spacing (75) between the side rails 47 can be about 34 or 35 inches to accommodate a workpiece having a 32-inchouter diameter 74. The other dimension to reduce the size and weight of thecutting tool 40 is the length of the side rails 47 needed to receive a 32 inch work piece in its interior space. This is limited by thedimension 76 which is the span between the most distal regions of the cutting edges of frame blade and gate blade. This dimension also delimits the travel length indirection 72 needed by the hydraulic rod to extendframe blade 46 so that thecenter 107 ofconcave cutting edge 69 offrame blade 46 passes over thecenter 108 ofconcave cutting edge 63 ofend gate 43. In thisinstance dimensions cutting tool 40 can be about 33.875 inches in length. It is noted though that these exact measurements are not the only possible dimensions so long as there is about at least an extra inch of space in length and width of the interior opening relative to the workpieceouter diameter 74. - An optional
second bevel 99 being about 0.20 inches (101) thick extending back about 0.20 inches (100). This resultant frame blade is thus configured to cut an elongated member having an outside diameter of about 32 inches. It is noted that the dimensions described are merely exemplary of one possible embodiment, which can also be scaled up and scaled down to accommodate different cutter frames. - In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, cutting
edge 69 ofblade 46 has a wedge shape leading to a cutting edge on the lower side of the frame blade. This allows for the work piece to be tilted away from thecutter 40 while in use. As will be explained below, end gate blade is reciprocal in configuration in that the cutting edge here needs to have its cutting edge on the top side of the end gate blade so that the cutting edges are adjacent while in use. - According to another approach,
frame blade 46 i can have an oblong concave arc and/or have two equal mirror image bevels (arrow shape) such as shown inFIGS. 16-18 . In these figures, assuming for example a two-inch-thick blade, can have acutting edge 69 i one inch from the top and bottom of the blade and extending rearward from about 1.25 to 3 inches (90) or an angle of about 25-45 degrees (89). By way of example, cuttingedge 69 i can have an outside radius (87) of about 16 inches and acenter radius 86 of about 10 inches. It is noted that the present configurations can allow adimension 86 to be at least 2-3 inches and greater. In this case, end gate blade would preferably have the same shape blade (i.e., a reciprocal convex arrow shaped cutting edge (not shown) and oriented so that the cutting edges meet on the same plane. - In the figures an
end gate assembly 43 is provided having brackets (56, 57, 60, 61) to mountend gate 43 to frame side rails 47, the brackets also being mounted to beveled/filet spacers 58 (or blocks 58 i, see e.g.,FIG. 28 ) havingbevels 59, and endgate blade 55. The brackets havebores 91 forpin 53, bore 92 forpin 78, and bore 93 forpin 54.Pin 53 provides a pivot forend gate 43;pin 78 is the pivot pin for thehydraulic rod 97 for one side rail.Pin 54 provides a second end gate attachment on theopposite side rail 47. In the embodiments shown,end gate 43 has anend blade 55 that has two cuttingsurfaces FIG. 1 ,frame blade 46 has its cutting edge on the lower side of the blade. Accordingly, when the end gate is attached,end gate blade 55 has its cuttingsurface 63 on its top side and oriented so that its top side is oriented directly under frameblade cutting edge 69. The bevel for the end gate cutting edges are directed away from the interior of the frame. When cuttingsurface 62 is directed to the interior of the frame, again, its cutting edge is adjacent to cuttingedge 69. This is accomplished by the reciprocal brackets for attachment of the end gate assembly. -
FIGS. 19-41 show various blade assembly configurations and blade configurations. Cuttingedge 62 can be useful for cutting thick walled steel tubes. Cuttingedge 63 can be useful cutting large diameter elongated members as described herein. Cutting edge 63 i ofFIGS. 26-27 can be useful for cutting large diameter work pieces, while cutting edge 62 i can provide addition piercing capability. Cuttingedge 63 ii ofFIGS. 36-37 can be useful for cutting or crushing large diameter work pieces, while cutting edge 62 i can provide addition piercing and crushing capability. It is noted that in this embodiment,frame blade 46 would need to have a reciprocal surface (not shown) and the mounting brackets adjusted so that the blades are on the same plane. In another embodiment, the end gate can have three cutting edges on the same plane in a triangular formation. - In one embodiment of
FIGS. 1-5 ,end gate 43 is also equipped with a downwardly beveledfirst cutting edge 62 and an upwardlybeveled cutting edge 63 on opposite sides ofend gate blade 55. InFIG. 5 cutting edge 62faces cutting edge 69 onframe blade 46. InFIG. 1-4 cutting edge 63faces cutting edge 69 onframe blade 46. Asblade 46 is moved towardend gate 43 as show asdirection 72, cuttingedges 69 and 63 (or alternately cuttingedges 69 and 62) can work together to shear a metal structural member. The member may be deformed by the force ofblade 46 moving towardend gate 43. The shearing action may partially or completely sever the metal structural member into two separate sections, despite any deformation in the metal structural member. -
FIGS. 6-7 show top views of the orientation offrame blade 46 andend gate blade 55 during a truncation of anelongated member 51. As shown,workpiece 51 is a hollow steel piling such as shown inFIG. 9 . The blades of cuttingtool 40 have already enclosedworkpiece 51 by positioning theframe blade 46 adjacent to thework piece 51, then closingend gate 43. As shown, when the cavity is formed there is sufficient room for the work piece. It is preferred to leave approximately one or two inches of ‘play’ within the blade enclosure. - While the embodiments have been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the present embodiments attempt to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Throughout this specification and the drawings and figures associated with this specification, numerical labels of previously shown or discussed features may be reused in another drawing figure to indicate similar features.
-
-
- 40 cutting tool
- 41 frame
- 42 cabling to hold cutting
tube 40 - 43 end gate assembly
- 44 hydraulic cylinder to move frame blade
- 45 hydraulic rod
- 46 frame blade
- 47 side rails
- 48 cross member
- 49 gate hydraulic cylinder
- 50 crane (
FIG. 9 ) - 51 work piece to cut (
FIG. 6, 7, 9 ) - 52 barge (
FIG. 9 ) - 53 pivot pin for end gate
- 54 locking pin for end gate
- 55 end gate blade
- 56 bottom left bracket
- 57 top right bracket
- 58 spacers (beveled); 58 i (square)
- 59 beveled edges to allow welding penetration
- 60 top left bracket
- 61 bottom right bracket
- 62 first cutting edge
- 63 second cutting edge
- 64
distal opening 64 offrame blade 46 - 65 cylinder pins
- 66 support plate
- 67 side rail channel
- 68 brackets for frame blade
- 69 frame blade cutting edge
- 70 frame blade bevel
- 71 cylinder pin holes
- 72 direction of frame blade
- 73 direction of gate opening
- 74 work piece diameter
- 75 span of opening in frame blade
- 76 span between cutting edges of frame blade and gate blade and travel of frame blade
- 78 gate hydraulic pin
- 80 mechanized pin pull
- 81 frame blade end bevel dimension
- 82 frame blade end bevel dimension
- 83 frame blade end bevel
- 84 radius of gate blade concave
- 85 frame blade bevel depth
- 86 oblong blade second radius (
FIG. 16 ) - 87 oblong blade first radius (
FIG. 16 ) - 89 dual bevel angle (
FIG. 18 ) - 90 dual bevel dimension (
FIG. 18 ) - 91 bore for
pin 53 - 92 bore for
pin 78 - 93 bore for
pin 54 - 94 first end of side rails 47
- 95 second end of side rails 47
- 96 second end mounting brackets
- 97 end gate hydraulic rod
- 98 frame blade thickness
- 99 optional second bevel
- 100 depth of second bevel
- 101 height of second bevel
- 102 frame blade width
- 103 frame blade length
- 104
frame blade 46 extensions - 105
frame blade 46 extensions arc (about 18 degrees) - 106
frame blade 46 extenders - 107 concave center of
frame blade 46 - 108 concave center of
end blade 55
Claims (5)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/894,681 US11813773B2 (en) | 2020-01-13 | 2022-08-24 | Apparatus and methods for truncating elongated members |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/741,372 US11453145B2 (en) | 2020-01-13 | 2020-01-13 | Apparatus and methods for truncating elongated members |
US17/894,681 US11813773B2 (en) | 2020-01-13 | 2022-08-24 | Apparatus and methods for truncating elongated members |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/741,372 Division US11453145B2 (en) | 2020-01-13 | 2020-01-13 | Apparatus and methods for truncating elongated members |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20220402168A1 true US20220402168A1 (en) | 2022-12-22 |
US11813773B2 US11813773B2 (en) | 2023-11-14 |
Family
ID=76760832
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/741,372 Active 2040-03-02 US11453145B2 (en) | 2020-01-13 | 2020-01-13 | Apparatus and methods for truncating elongated members |
US17/894,681 Active US11813773B2 (en) | 2020-01-13 | 2022-08-24 | Apparatus and methods for truncating elongated members |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/741,372 Active 2040-03-02 US11453145B2 (en) | 2020-01-13 | 2020-01-13 | Apparatus and methods for truncating elongated members |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US11453145B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4090798A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3164685A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2022008662A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021145932A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11478945B2 (en) * | 2021-03-24 | 2022-10-25 | United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Underwater line cutting tool |
CN114454354A (en) * | 2022-02-14 | 2022-05-10 | 张顺顺 | Quick slotting device of indoor ground wire casing |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4641694A (en) * | 1986-01-17 | 1987-02-10 | Rohde Kenneth A | Tree felling, log cutting and splitting machine |
US20050194000A1 (en) * | 2004-03-05 | 2005-09-08 | Todack James J. | Apparatus and method for shearing reinforced concrete piles and metal piles and crushing reinforced concrete piles |
US20050274249A1 (en) * | 2003-11-07 | 2005-12-15 | Trudeau Leon B | Apparatus for truncating metal structural members |
US20170282263A1 (en) * | 2007-05-16 | 2017-10-05 | John J. Khoury | Tubular cutting apparatus |
US20170355027A1 (en) * | 2016-06-08 | 2017-12-14 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool Head |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US402381A (en) * | 1889-04-30 | Shear-knife | ||
US3056267A (en) * | 1961-10-24 | 1962-10-02 | Columbus Construction Company | Method and apparatus for removing from submerged sites portions of previously drivenpiles |
US5139006A (en) | 1989-04-03 | 1992-08-18 | Trudeau Leon B | Hydraulic concrete pile cutter |
US6925920B1 (en) * | 1997-10-13 | 2005-08-09 | Microm International Gmbh | Knife holder and knife for a microtome |
US6105262A (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 2000-08-22 | Rickard; Thomas A. | Reversible blade knife |
US7351010B1 (en) * | 2005-06-17 | 2008-04-01 | Kelly John M | Method and apparatus for salvaging underwater pipelines |
US20100043609A1 (en) * | 2008-07-18 | 2010-02-25 | Franze Patrick L | Apparatus and method for cutting columnar items |
US8505870B2 (en) * | 2011-02-02 | 2013-08-13 | Hydril Usa Manufacturing Llc | Shear blade geometry and method |
AU2018302427B2 (en) | 2017-07-17 | 2024-03-21 | Gustav Klauke Gmbh | Tool for cutting a workpiece |
NO344001B1 (en) * | 2017-11-29 | 2019-08-12 | Smart Installations As | Method for cutting a tubular structure at a drill floor and a cutting tool for carrying out such method |
-
2020
- 2020-01-13 US US16/741,372 patent/US11453145B2/en active Active
- 2020-10-13 MX MX2022008662A patent/MX2022008662A/en unknown
- 2020-10-13 CA CA3164685A patent/CA3164685A1/en active Pending
- 2020-10-13 EP EP20913479.0A patent/EP4090798A1/en active Pending
- 2020-10-13 WO PCT/US2020/055387 patent/WO2021145932A1/en unknown
-
2022
- 2022-08-24 US US17/894,681 patent/US11813773B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4641694A (en) * | 1986-01-17 | 1987-02-10 | Rohde Kenneth A | Tree felling, log cutting and splitting machine |
US20050274249A1 (en) * | 2003-11-07 | 2005-12-15 | Trudeau Leon B | Apparatus for truncating metal structural members |
US20050194000A1 (en) * | 2004-03-05 | 2005-09-08 | Todack James J. | Apparatus and method for shearing reinforced concrete piles and metal piles and crushing reinforced concrete piles |
US20170282263A1 (en) * | 2007-05-16 | 2017-10-05 | John J. Khoury | Tubular cutting apparatus |
US20170355027A1 (en) * | 2016-06-08 | 2017-12-14 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool Head |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20210213644A1 (en) | 2021-07-15 |
US11813773B2 (en) | 2023-11-14 |
EP4090798A1 (en) | 2022-11-23 |
WO2021145932A1 (en) | 2021-07-22 |
CA3164685A1 (en) | 2021-07-22 |
US11453145B2 (en) | 2022-09-27 |
MX2022008662A (en) | 2022-10-13 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11813773B2 (en) | Apparatus and methods for truncating elongated members | |
US5139006A (en) | Hydraulic concrete pile cutter | |
JP4789121B2 (en) | Excavator demolition attachment with replaceable jaw assembly | |
EP1373645B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for cutting underwater structures | |
US7243646B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for shearing reinforced concrete piles and metal piles and crushing reinforced concrete piles | |
US4519135A (en) | Metal demolition shear | |
US9242388B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for cutting columnar items | |
JPS62124816A (en) | Cutting operation accessory for back hoe | |
US8371049B2 (en) | Ripper blade for use on hydraulic arm and method for storage tank demolition | |
JPS62259710A (en) | Cutting operation attachment for back hoe | |
US20150308076A1 (en) | Demolition adjustable shimable shear tip | |
JP5349300B2 (en) | Material handling shearing machine for heavy work | |
US20120291606A1 (en) | Tubular cutting apparatus | |
EP0900319B1 (en) | Process and device for separation of pipes or columns fixed in the ground | |
US10286461B2 (en) | Adjustable shimable indexable shear tip | |
US5197193A (en) | Apparatus for cutting an article into sheets | |
JP5641476B2 (en) | Method for machining a milling head and a pile head | |
US20050274249A1 (en) | Apparatus for truncating metal structural members | |
EP3621762B1 (en) | Rotary cutting device | |
US6135178A (en) | Wood splitting device | |
US20170282263A1 (en) | Tubular cutting apparatus | |
US20050098005A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for cutting metal structural members | |
US20210025123A1 (en) | Internal pile cutter | |
WO2008143818A1 (en) | Cutting machine for use in removing damaged oilfield rigs and equipment located in offshore waters, and method of using same | |
Hojem, JPM, Joughin, NC & Dimitriou | The design and development of a rockcutting machine for gold mining |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO SMALL (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: SMAL); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT RECEIVED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIED |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |